Carne Asada Street Tacos Recipe
Carne asada street tacos are a crowd favorite, known for their bold flavors and ease of preparation. The deliciously marinated meat, combined with fresh toppings, makes this dish a must-try for taco lovers. This recipe will take you step-by-step through creating flavorful and tender carne asada for your tacos, perfect for parties or a cozy night in.
Ingredients Breakdown
To start, let’s dive into the key ingredients that make these tacos a standout dish. The seasoning blend and marinade help bring out the best in the meat, while the garnishes add a fresh and vibrant finish.
Carne Asada
For these tacos, we’re using 2 pounds of carne asada, a cut of beef often used for Mexican dishes. If you don’t have carne asada on hand, you can substitute flank steak or skirt steak. Each provides a good texture for marinating and grilling.
Seasoning Blend
- Cumin: 1 tablespoon of ground cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor to the meat. Cumin is a staple in Mexican cooking and provides a fragrant, deep note that enhances the carne asada.
- Kosher Salt: 1 tablespoon of kosher salt not only brings out the meat’s natural flavors but also helps tenderize it during marination.
- Garlic Powder: 2 teaspoons of garlic powder introduce a hint of garlicky goodness without overpowering the other spices.
- Cracked Pepper: 1 teaspoon of freshly cracked pepper adds a subtle spice and balances the saltiness in the dish.
Marinade Ingredients
- Canola Oil: 3 tablespoons of canola oil serve as the base for cooking. Its high smoke point is ideal for searing the meat.
- Serrano Pepper: A single serrano pepper, sliced, brings a nice kick. If you prefer a milder taco, feel free to reduce the amount or remove the seeds.
- Roma Tomato: Half a roma tomato, diced, adds a touch of acidity and sweetness to balance the marinade.
- White Onion: Half of a white onion, finely diced, offers a sharp, savory flavor and adds depth to the marinade.
- Dos Equis Beer: 6-8 ounces of Dos Equis beer (or a similar Mexican lager) act as a tenderizer, helping to infuse the meat with an extra layer of flavor.
Taco Assembly
- Street Taco Tortillas: Use 32 small corn tortillas, which are traditional for street tacos and offer a light, authentic flavor.
- Garnishes: For the final touch, ½ cup each of diced white onion and roughly chopped cilantro adds freshness and a classic taco garnish.
Preparation Steps
Creating delicious carne asada tacos is all about layering flavors. By following each step, you’ll ensure that your tacos have the perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors.
Prepare the Carne Asada
- Begin by combining the cumin, kosher salt, garlic powder, and cracked pepper in a small bowl. This will be your seasoning blend for the carne asada.
- Place the carne asada on a clean surface and generously coat it with the seasoning blend. Massage the spices into the meat to ensure even distribution.
- Slice the seasoned carne asada into strips, then dice it into bite-sized pieces. This will make it easier to cook and portion out for the tacos.
Marinate the Meat
- In a large plastic bag or a covered bowl, add the diced carne asada.
- Add the sliced serrano pepper, diced roma tomato, and finely diced white onion to the bag or bowl.
- Pour 6-8 ounces of Dos Equis beer over the meat and vegetables. The beer will help tenderize the meat and add a subtle, malty flavor.
- Seal the bag or cover the bowl, then mix everything together to ensure the meat is well-coated. Allow the mixture to marinate for at least 15 minutes. For optimal flavor, marinate for up to 1 hour. Avoid marinating for too long, as the meat can become mushy.
Cook the Carne Asada
- Once the meat is marinated, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the canola oil. Let the oil heat up until it shimmers.
- Pour the entire marinated mixture, including the meat and vegetables, into the skillet. Be cautious, as there may be some splattering from the oil and marinade.
- Cook the meat, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid has evaporated, and the meat is cooked through. This process should take about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat is nicely browned, and the vegetables have softened.
Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the street taco corn tortillas in a dry skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. This enhances their texture and brings out the corn flavor.
- Place a spoonful of the cooked carne asada mixture onto each tortilla.
- Garnish each taco with a sprinkle of diced white onion and roughly chopped cilantro for freshness and a pop of color.
Tips for Making the Best Carne Asada Tacos
- Choose the Right Cut of Meat: For an authentic and flavorful result, choose a well-marbled cut like skirt or flank steak. These cuts hold up well in the marinade and become tender when cooked.
- Don’t Skip the Beer: The beer not only adds flavor but also helps break down the meat’s fibers, making it tender and juicy.
- Marinate with Care: Marinating too long can make the meat overly soft. Stick to the 15-minute to 1-hour window to achieve the best texture.
- Use Fresh Tortillas: Fresh corn tortillas will make a big difference in taste and texture. If possible, warm them just before serving.
- Add Cheese or Avocado for Extra Flavor: Though optional, a sprinkle of queso fresco or a few slices of avocado can add creaminess to each bite.
FAQs
Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the carne asada with chicken, pork, or even shrimp if desired. Each will bring its unique flavor to the tacos, but beef is traditional.
Is there a non-alcoholic option for the marinade?
If you prefer to avoid alcohol, substitute the beer with beef or chicken broth. You’ll still get a good depth of flavor, though it will be a bit different from the original recipe.
Can I prepare the meat ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the meat for up to 1 hour, cook it, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the meat in a skillet and warm the tortillas before assembling.
What toppings can I add besides onion and cilantro?
In addition to onion and cilantro, you can add toppings like sliced avocado, queso fresco, pickled onions, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover tacos?
If you have leftover assembled tacos, reheat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. For unassembled ingredients, reheat the meat in a skillet and warm the tortillas separately, then assemble.